California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • UK Suspends Tariffs on All Raw Almonds Beginning April 11

    Almond Board of California — The United Kingdom’s government announced it would suspend tariffs for at least two years on raw kernel and inshell almonds from all origins – including the U.S. – beginning April 11, 2024.

    The Almond Board of California has been working for many years with the UK’s Nut and Dried Fruit Trade Association (NDFTA), the group that represents the UK processors buying California almonds. This past year, ABC provided factual information and trade data to NDFTA, which they used to officially apply to have tariffs suspended on imported almonds.

    “We are grateful for our long-time partnership with the UK’s Nut and Dried Fruit Trade Association and appreciate the UK government’s approval of the application to suspend tariffs on almonds,” said Julie Adams, ABC’s vice president for global technical and regulatory affairs. “This will certainly benefit UK consumers with increased availability of healthy almond products.”

    The tariffs – 4% on inshell almonds and 2% on raw kernels – have been in place since the UK left the European Union in 2021.

    UK trade officials on March 18 issued a list of commodities, including almonds, that will have tariffs suspended until June 30, 2026. UK officials said there is a possibility they will reassess before that date, possibly to extend the suspension or make a permanent change.

    Estimates put the costs of the soon-to-be-suspended tariffs to UK importers at about $4 million a year. The suspension will allow UK importers to offer a more competitive price on raw California almonds to UK processors, and ultimately to consumers.

    UK duties of 8-10% still remain on roasted almonds (which includes flavored almonds), 8% on marzipan and almond flour, and 20% on almond paste.

    “We plan to work with NDFTA to assess further tariff suspensions in the UK, and with other partners overseas to identify opportunities for additional tariff suspension requests to lower costs for importers and processors and boost demand for California almonds,” said Keith Schneller, ABC’s senior advisor on trade policy.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more information on the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • EPA’s Wastewater Guidelines True Cost is Over $1 Billion and Over 100,000 Jobs

    A coalition of meat and poultry industry groups said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA or the Agency) proposed wastewater guidelines will cost hundreds of millions more than Agency estimates, eliminate tens of thousands of jobs and close many processing facilities, resulting in hardship for livestock and poultry producers.

    “We believe that the proposed Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) would thwart the Biden administration’s efforts and limit, or reverse, these outcomes for small processors, rural job creation, producer livelihoods and a resilient food supply chain,” the coalition said.

    The Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition (MPP or the Coalition) made the remarks in comments submitted in response to the EPA’s proposed rule revising the ELGs for wastewater discharged by meat and poultry processing and rendering facilities. Last amended in 2004, the meat and poultry ELGs currently apply to about 180 of the estimated 5,300 meat and poultry facilities nationwide. EPA estimates between 845 and 1,620 facilities would be subject to and incur costs should the proposed ELGs become final. The full comments are here.

    The Coalition made the following key arguments in the comments:

    The Agency has grossly underestimated closures for many MPP facilities: 
    Industry analysis of the projected number of MPP facility closures for Option 1 without chlorides would jump from the 16 sites estimated in the proposed rule to 74 sites.

    The projected number of near-term job losses associated with these facility closures would increase from nearly 17,000 estimated in the proposed rule to nearly 80,000 direct job losses from plant closures.

    The projected closures and job losses for the more stringent regulatory options would increase similarly. For Option 2 with chlorides, for example, the projected number of facility closures would increase to 139, 15% of facilities that exceed the Option 2 threshold, or 340 closures for Option 3.

    The proposed rule harms the relationship between MPPs and publicly owned treatment works (POTWs):
    Indirect discharging MPP facilities often make significant financial investments in maintaining and upgrading the POTW or shouldering major surcharges for the POTW’s continued operation and maintenance. This investment reduces public treatment costs for residential ratepayers and improves the quality of local and downstream waters.

    EPA’s analyses of pollutant loadings are inconsistent with its cost analyses:
    EPA is taking credit for pollutant removals that are already occurring.

    EPA has not timely provided complete information on its analysis:
    EPA has not provided complete information for public and industry stakeholder verification in a timely way.

    The Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition is made up of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Meat Institute, National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, North American Renderers Association and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

    About the American Farm Bureau Federation
    The American Farm Bureau Federation is the national advocate for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Every year, Farm Bureau members in more than 2,800 counties meet to discuss and vote on policies affecting their farms, ranches and communities. Those policies then set the agenda for their state Farm Bureaus and ultimately AFBF.

    About the Meat Institute
    The Meat Institute is the United States’ oldest and largest trade association representing packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat products. Meat Institute members include over 350 meat packing and processing companies, the majority of which have fewer than 100 employees, and account for over 95 percent of the United States’ output of meat and 70 percent of turkey production.

    About the National Chicken Council

    The National Chicken Council (NCC) represents integrated chicken producer-processors, the companies that produce and process chickens. Member companies of NCC account for more than 95 percent of the chicken sold in the United States.

    About the National Pork Producers Council
    NPPC is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, protecting the livelihoods of America’s pork producers who abide by ethical principles in caring for their animals; in protecting the environment and public health; and in providing safe, wholesome, nutritious pork products to consumers worldwide.

    About the National Turkey Federation

    The National Turkey Federation (NTF) represents all segments of the turkey industry, including growers, processors, breeders, hatchery owners and allied companies.  NTF is the only national trade association exclusively representing the turkey industry; its members account for more than 95 percent of all U.S. turkey production.

    About the North American Renderers Association

    The North American Renderers Association (NARA) represents the interests of the North American rendering industry to regulatory and other governmental agencies, promotes the greater use of animal byproducts, and fosters the opening and expansion of trade between foreign buyers and North American exporters. In addition to its U.S.-based headquarters, the association maintains offices in Mexico and Hong Kong, and has market consultants in strategic locations around the world.

    About the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
    U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the all-feather organization representing the complete spectrum of today’s poultry industry, whose mission is to progressively serve member companies through research, education, communication and technical assistance. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Ga.

  • California FFA Elects 2024-2025 State FFA Officer Team

    Students from Kingsburg, Turlock Christian, Hilmar, Santa Maria, and O’Neals Minarets were elected by delegates at the 96th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference to serve as 2024-25 State FFA Officers. Candidates take part in an extensive online and in-person interview process with the State FFA Nominating Committee leading up to the election. The new team was announced during the closing session of the 96th State FFA Leadership Conference on Sunday, March 24, as follows:

    • President: Camille Zavala
    • Vice President: John Dein
    • Secretary: Gianna Gonzalez
    • Treasurer: Melissa Lua-Duarte
    • Reporter: Carlos Nunez
    • Sentinel: Joshua Wolford

    After reviewing applications, the Nominating Committee selected 59 individuals to advance to in-person interviews, which were conducted during the State FFA Conference. Candidates underwent several rounds of interviews with the State Nominating Committee before being slated and elected by the California Association, FFA delegation.

    State officers commit to a year of service to the California Association FFA. Throughout their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, local FFA leaders, and the general public.

    The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the state and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA in California and lead the next generation of leaders.

    To obtain additional information about the new state officer team, contact Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor and program manager for agricultural education for the California Department of Education, at cparker@cde.ca.gov.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 103,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • Citrus Thrips Field Day at Lindcove on April 9

    As thrips season approaches, University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor Sandipa Gautam is organizing a field day focused on citrus thrips. This event will be organized at Lindcove Research Center on April 9, from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM.

    This objective of field day is to teach PCAs/field scouts about thrips biology and identification, differentiating flower thrips from citrus thrips, and best management approaches as we continue to address the challenges in managing citrus thrips.Continuing Education: 2.0 other units pending approval.

    For the full agenda, please click here. To register for the field day, please click here.

  • March 28 Webinar on Emergency Relief Program 2022 Track 2

    Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022 Track 2 is a revenue-based certification program designed to assist producers who suffered a loss in revenue resulting from 2022 calendar year disaster events when compared with revenue in a benchmark year. Join USDA staff and experts Guido van der Hoeven and JC Hobbs as they provide an overview of ERP 2022 Track 2, completing the application form, and guidance on where advanced tax and accounting knowledge may be required.

    Event: Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022 Track 2 Overview and Application

    Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Time: 8am PT

    Register to attend HERE.

  • USDA Secures Market Access for U.S. Poultry Exports to Colombia

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have reopened the Colombian market for U.S. poultry and egg product exports, culminating several months of collaborations with the Colombian Institute of Agriculture to resolve this trade barrier. U.S. Trade Representative’s office has reopened the Colombian market for U.S. poultry and egg product exports, culminating several months of collaborations with the Colombian Institute of Agriculture to resolve this trade barrier.

    “We’re pleased that Colombian officials are living up to the commitments outlined in the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor. “Holding our trading partners accountable is critical to ensuring the benefits of trade are felt by our farmers and ranchers across the United States and in their local communities.”

    “Reopening this market was of critical importance to U.S. poultry producers and to USDA,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Our team collaborated tirelessly with Colombian officials to demonstrate that U.S. poultry and egg products do not pose an animal health risk and can be safely imported.”

    Before the market was closed in August 2023 due to concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the region, Colombia was the 10th largest market for U.S. poultry, with exports reaching $105 million in 2022.

  • Update to ACP and HLB Bulk Citrus Movement Requirements

    Effective March 12, 2024, the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division (CPDPD) has updated the requirements for moving bulk citrus fruit from an Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) quarantine zone to a packer/processor in a Huanglongbing (HLB) quarantine area. Citrus fruit may now be moved from any ACP quarantine zone to an HLB quarantine area for packing or processing without a mitigation, such as a pre-harvest treatment or field cleaning. One mitigation was previously required.

    Listed below are some examples of potential bulk citrus movement that is now allowed without mitigation, per the CPDPD’s Citrus Grower/Grove Manager Information page:

    • Tulare County to HLB quarantine zone in Riverside County
    • Imperial County to HLB quarantine zone in Ventura County
    • Kern County to HLB quarantine zone in San Diego County

    Please note, safeguarding all fruit in transit is still required for all bulk citrus ACP/HLB quarantine movements, and all other quarantine requirements, such as those for invasive fruit fly quarantines, still apply. Trucks must be fully tarped or the vehicle must be fully enclosed.

    In the instance that HLB is detected in new areas, this regulatory update may be revisited and revised by CPDPD.

    For complete information regarding the mitigations required for fruit movement, please visit the CPDPD’s Citrus Grower/Grove Manager Information page.

    For questions regarding citrus fruit movement requirements, please contact your local County Agricultural Commissioner or contact Keith Okasaki at Keith.Okasaki@cdfa.ca.govor 916-274-6300.

  • California FFA Leadership Conference Arrives in Sacramento

    Nearly 7,500 Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California will return to Sacramento to celebrate agricultural education and the agriculture industry during the 96th State FFA Leadership Conference on March 21-24 at the Golden 1 Center.

    The state capital will be filled with FFA members donned in the iconic blue corduroy jacket, each representing their home chapter. The conference is an opportunity for students to be exposed to a broad range of agricultural science, business, and technology career pathways while celebrating the accomplishments these leaders have achieved over the past school year.

    Over the course of four days, participants will attend sessions at the Golden 1 Center, where they will be inspired by their peers and talented speakers including California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross.

    The conference also includes an expo, to be held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, where members will have the opportunity to explore various post-secondary career and college opportunities. When students are not attending sessions, they can participate in various agricultural tours near Sacramento or engage in leadership workshops.

    As the largest student-led organization in the nation, general conference sessions will provide middle and high school students enrolled in agricultural education classes the opportunity to conduct the business of the California Association FFA. They will vote on constitutional proposals and elect the new officers who will lead the association through the 2024-25 year.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 103,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • Six California Ag Teachers Named Finalists for Golden Owl Award®

    Educators devote countless time, and often their own resources, to helping students pursue their passions. To recognize the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers, the California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, is honoring six exceptional teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award.

    From September 1 through January 16, nominations were collected for top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across California.

    Highlighting the profound influence of the FFA, California Farm Bureau President and FFA alumna Shannon Douglass emphasized the significant impact it has on shaping leaders in agriculture. “Farm Bureau sees first hand the tremendous impact that FFA makes, as many of our current leaders across agriculture have roots in FFA,” reflected Douglass. “We are so appreciative of the hard-working ag teachers who provide a great foundation for FFA members that in turn benefits all of agriculture.”

    California’s 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award finalists are:

    • Daniel Crookham, Exeter FFA
    • Rebecca Freeman, Lodi-Tokay FFA
    • Randy Mendes, St. Helena FFA
    • Deanna Morton, Shandon FFA
    • Rick Neugebauer, McArthur-Fall River FFA
    • Marlisa Nordstrom, Buena Park FFA

    Each finalist will be presented with an individualized plaque and a $500 check in front of fellow teachers, students, and supporters at the 2024 State FFA Leadership Conference, March 21-24 in Sacramento. All finalists will be considered for California’s Ag Educator of the Year Award, earning an additional $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. The winner will be announced on stage at the conference.

    “California FFA is thrilled to collaborate with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau in honoring exceptional agricultural educators and FFA Advisors,” stated Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor. “The six state finalists showcase extraordinary commitment to equipping students with foundational skills, leadership qualities, and essential knowledge for the future. These educators extend beyond traditional classroom instruction, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for success.”

    Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support their programs with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. This year, the award program honors outstanding ag educators in eleven states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.

    “As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, we are proud to thank and honor these hardworking agricultural teachers for their dedication,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “These educators play a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers in the industry.”

    In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is contributing $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation, enhancing support for the personal and professional development of both students and advisors.

    About the California FFA Foundation
    California FFA Foundation serves more than 103,000 California students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through educational education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    About Nationwide

    Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities, mutual funds and ETFs; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

  • Dairy Producers Can Enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage

    Dairy producers are now able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Feb. 28, 2024, and ends April 29, 2024. For those who sign up for 2024 DMC coverage, payments may begin as soon as March 4, 2024, for any payments that triggered in January 2024.

    USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has revised the regulations for DMC to allow eligible dairy operations to make a one-time adjustment to established production history. This adjustment will be accomplished by combining previously established supplemental production history with DMC production history for those dairy operations that participated in Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage during a prior coverage year. DMC has also been authorized through calendar year 2024. Congress passed a 2018 Farm Bill extension requiring these regulatory changes to the program.

    “FSA is announcing the sign up for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage. We encourage producers to enroll in this important safety net program. In reviewing 2023 margins and the more than $1.2 billion in Dairy Margin Coverage payments issued to producers, Dairy Margin Coverage is proven to be a program to reduce risk for our dairy producers,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “If 2023 taught us anything, it’s that we honestly have no idea what will happen in the market in any given year. Producers who took advantage of this affordable risk management tool for the 2023 program year, were able to mitigate some financial impacts on their operations. At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a relatively inexpensive investment in a true sense of security and peace of mind.”

    DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.  In 2023, Dairy Margin Coverage payments triggered in 11 months including two months, June and July, where the margin fell below the catastrophic level of $4.00 per hundredweight, a first for Dairy Margin Coverage or its predecessor Margin Protection Program.

    2024 DMC Coverage and Premium Fees 

    FSA has revised DMC regulations to extend coverage for calendar year 2024, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024, and to provide an adjustment to the production history for dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of production. In previous years, smaller dairy operations could establish a supplemental production history and receive Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage. For 2024, dairy producers can establish one adjusted base production history through DMC for each participating dairy operation to better reflect the operation’s current production.

    For 2024 DMC enrollment, dairy operations that established supplemental production history through Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for coverage years 2021 through 2023, will combine the supplemental production history with established production history for one adjusted base production history.

    For dairy operations enrolled in 2023 DMC under a multi-year lock-in contract, lock-in eligibility will be extended until Dec. 31, 2024. In addition, dairy operations enrolled in multi-year lock-in contracts are eligible for the discounted DMC premium rate during the 2024 coverage year. To confirm 2024 DMC lock-in coverage or opt out in favor of an annual contract for 2024, dairy operations having lock-in contracts must enroll during the 2024 DMC enrollment period.

    DMC offers different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

    DMC Payments

    DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.  These updated feed calculations use 100% premium alfalfa hay.

    More Information

    USDA also offers other risk management tools for dairy producers, including the Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) plan that protects against a decline in milk revenue (yield and price) and the Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) plan, which provides protection against the loss of the market value of milk minus the feed costs. Both DRP and LGM livestock insurance policies are offered through the Risk Management Agency. Producers should contact their local crop insurance agent for more information.

    For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.